The Experiences of Older Persons and Their Adult Children on Maintaining Positive Parent-child Relationships

Marcelle Dianne Boshoff,Nevashnee Perumal

doi:10.13189/ijrh.2017.050304

Abstract

The incidence of increased life span as well as a lack of care for older persons, gave rise to the South African Older persons Act (Act No 13 of 2006), which provides a clear indication of the expectations of caring for older persons within communities and families. With many older persons relying on the relationships they have with their children in their golden years, to be fulfilling and loving, this study aimed to explore the experiences of older persons and their adult children from a strengths based perspective by focusing on how they maintain positive relationships. This study adopted a qualitative research approach which was exploratory and contextual in nature, applying a narrative strategy of inquiry. Empirical data was collected from two sample sets, using a non-probability purposive sampling method: i) five older persons who were retirees of an automotive company in South Africa and ii) at least one of their adult children. Individual, semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with both sample sets. Thematic data analysis technique was used to analyse the data collected. This article reports on two themes generated from the findings of the study.

Highlights

The parent-child relationship is acknowledged by many researchers as one of the most significant relationships experienced in one’s life (Birditt, Miller, Fingerman & Lefkowitz, 2009; Kuehnle & Ellis, 2002)
As parents age and their children reach adulthood many of these relationships undergo changes and are placed under tremendous strain as the needs of elderly parents and adult children differ. Recent studies, such as that conducted by Newby (2010) as well as practice observations revealed that adult children feel less obligated to care for their elderly parents as was the case in the past
Adult children must not be residing with the elderly parents

Summary

Introduction

The parent-child relationship is acknowledged by many researchers as one of the most significant relationships experienced in one’s life (Birditt, Miller, Fingerman & Lefkowitz, 2009; Kuehnle & Ellis, 2002). Kinsella (2005:27) points out that there is much debate regarding family bonds and whether these bonds have strengthened or disintegrated over time and Newby’s (2010) suggestion indicates that the quality of bonds appear to be increasingly eroded This leaves the elderly person feeling very lonely and neglected if the assistance by adult children is purely out of obligation. Children may be of the opinion that their elderly parents should have made provisions for their later years and that the government should be part of the caring process In contrast to this notion, the South African Older Persons Act (Act No 13 of 2006) places emphasis on keeping the elderly within communities and having community based care facilities.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion